Technology is all around us. In addition to the ubiquitous smartphone and tablet, we’re surrounded by all sorts of other smart devices like smart cameras and smart printers. We also have gadgets for a smart office, but what about some wearable tech that can extend that smart digital lifestyle?

While we could certainly get into a discussion of augmented human abilities by way of smart pacemakers and piston-propelled prostheses, that’s not really the point of today’s article. Instead, we’re taking a look at a variety of wearable tech gadgets that can be both fun and useful for the average digitally-inclined consumer.

Vuzix Smart Glasses M100

Vuzix M100 with Android

You might recognize the image of Project Glass from Google at the top of the post. We’re still waiting around for Google to do some sort of formal unveiling of the finalized product, but that isn’t stopping other companies from getting into the realm of smart glasses. One such example is the Vuzix M100. These are far more compact that Vuzix’s other wearable displays and it goes a lot further by running Android apps for text, video, email, mapping, audio, and more.

Pebble E-Paper Smart Watch

Pebble Smart Watch

Okay, maybe you’re not as inclined to have a smart display hovering in front of your head like that. Thankfully, there are other types of wearable tech that can almost achieve the same thing. The Pebble Smart Watch got its funding through Kickstarter and they’re now taking pre-orders at $150 each. It uses e-paper to extend its battery life, but you can customize it with all sorts of apps like as a bike computer or to control your mobile music, as well as get it to show your phone’s caller ID and text messages.

Fitbit Flex Smart Activity Tracker

Track Your Exercise with Fitbit Flex

It’s smart to stay in shape and the recently announced Fitbit Flex could be one of the best ways to track your physical activity. It works in a similar way to devices like the Nike FuelBand and Jawbone Up in that this wristband will keep track of your steps taken, calories burned, and distance traveled. It’ll even keep track of your hours slep and the quality of your sleep. This way, you can have a much better grasp on your daily activities and adjust your habits accordingly.

Novero Bluetooth Pendant Necklace

Bluetooth Headset in Pendant Form

It’s illegal in many jurisdictions to use a handheld cell phone while driving and that’s why Bluetooth headsets and speakerphones have become so popular. For some people, though, they may not be particularly fashionable. Countering this is the Bluetooth Pendant Necklace from Novero. It’s a little more classy for the ladies; the pendant acts as the control and microphone, while the open design allows the other end to work as the earpiece. It doesn’t come cheap, though, selling for nearly $400.

Monoprice MHD Action Camera

Monoprice 1080p HD Wearable Camera

In a space that continues to be dominated by the GoPro Hero line, there are still alternatives. The hottest new trend in wearable tech has got to be wearable HD action cameras and the upcoming Monoprice MHD could prove to be one of the most affordable at about $99.99 each. It shoots in full 1080p and offers an ultra-wide 120-degree field of view. It’s waterproof, too, at depths of up to 10 meters.

ThinkGeek Electronic Drum Kit Shirt

Electronic Drum Kit T-Shirt

And the final piece of wearable tech in this roundup probably is the least useful, but it could also be the most fun. It’s an electronic drum kit shirt from the fine folks at ThinkGeek. Who needs a full-blown drum kit when you can go ahead and thump your chest to make the same sounds? There’s a built-in speaker and seven different drum sounds. You’ll need four AAA batteries and you’ll need to be extra careful while washing, but you have to admit this is some pretty sweet technology.

A freelance writer and professional blogger based out of Vancouver, Canada, Michael Kwan focuses primarily in the areas of consumer electronics, entrepreneurship, and personal development. He blogs six times a week at Beyond the Rhetoric. Follow him on Twitter: @michaelkwan